Manitoba & Saskatchewan

Local Programs & Services

The following programs and services are available in Manitoba and Saskatchewan unless stated otherwise. For more information on the range of programs and services offered across the country, see the national Programs and Services section.

For your convenience, we have classified our programs and services into the following categories:

Local Services

  • Registration and Referral: This is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to access CNIB’s programs and services. Our staff work closely with each individual to develop a program suited to their needs. We collect information, identify needs and goals, and make referrals to appropriate resources - either within CNIB or with community agencies.
  • Counselling: Provides support to people as they adjust to vision loss, or the combined loss of hearing and sight.
  • Child and Family Services (Saskatchewan only): Supportive counselling, information, advocacy and programming for children from birth to age 17 and their families.
  • Early Intervention (Manitoba only): For children from birth to school age and their families, CNIB staff assess developmental needs associated with vision loss, taking into consideration additional disabilities.
  • Low Vision Services: An appointment includes a functional assessment of visual abilities, information and training in the use of low vision devices and instruction on how to maximize remaining vision.
  • Independent Living: Life-skills training to help manage the essentials of daily living, with an emphasis on maintaining independence – from safe and effective methods of cooking and doing household tasks such as laundry and cleanup, personal care and banking, and communications, including braille and computer training.
  • Orientation and Mobility: Instruction on how to move safely and independently around the home, workplace, school and community.
  • Career and Employment Services: We provide vocational assessments, help individuals explore career interests, develop employment plans, market to potential employers, and investigate job opportunities and accommodations.
  • Computer Training: Assessments and instruction on how to use current computer programs with assistive technology to access information and communicate independently.
  • Consumer Products Support: Information about the availability, selection, use and purchase of devices to best suit individual needs. The supportive and interactive environment allows people with vision loss to become familiar with devices prior to purchase.
  • Support Services: Information and advocacy support for resources available from CNIB as well as resources focusing on social issues such as concessions, housing, finances and leisure pursuits, available through partner community resources.

Local Programs

  • PARTY - Presentation And Related Training for Youth (Manitoba only): Youth group activity sessions focusing on a chosen topic/theme provide youth aged 12-21 with an opportunity to connect with their peers and develop their social skills.
  • Orientation Group (Winnipeg only): Once a month new clients are invited to CNIB to meet our staff and learn about the programs and services we have to offer. For more information, see the Community Activities section.
  • Service Outreach Days: CNIB staff are on hand to provide service, demonstrate assistive devices and make referrals to resources as required. For more information, see the Community Activities section.
  • Low Vision Outreach Days: Provides the opportunity to have a low vision assessment, see magnifying devices and ask questions of CNIB staff in a community near you. Appointments are necessary. For more information, see the Community Activities section.
  • Music Therapy: This program for children with vision loss is offered twice a year. Children are stimulated by music and interaction with each other. (Manitoba only)
  • Employment / Technology Workshops: Are you looking for work? Would you like to learn the latest technology trends or perhaps develop your interviewing skills? CNIB currently has workshops focusing on employment and technology-related skills. For more information, see the Community Activities section.
  • Orientation and Mobility Group(Manitoba only): Learn how to communicate your independence and assistance needs more effectively when traveling in public.
  • CNIB Summer Camps: CNIB Summer Camp offers a unique mix of rehabilitation and recreational programs for children with vision loss or other disabilities. Manitoba youth attend camp located at the Variety Camp at Lake Brereton and Saskatchewan youth attend camp at Arlington Beach Camp (or a site to be determined).
  • Peer Support Groups: You are not alone. CNIB Peer Support Groups meet on a regular basis. This is an opportunity for you to meet other people who are living with the same kind of challenges and successes that you are. For more information, see the Community Activities section.
  • Peer Leader Training: CNIB offers leadership training for individuals with vision loss who wish to lead Peer Support Groups.
  • Leisure Groups (Manitoba only): People with vision loss are invited to participate in CNIB-run leisure groups which focus on activities such as pottery, dance and choir. For more information, see the Community Activities section.